Mechanical watch conundrum...

[redrabbit]

Morning folks, first post for me on this thread. I have an 'eclectic' collection of watches in the 100-500 quid range, mixture of quartz/auto/manual wind, including this funky Sorna Chrono from the mid 70s. It stopped working soon after I bought it for chip money about 10 years ago, and tbh I put it in the sock drawer and forgot about it until last week. So, now I've wound it again and it runs perfectly sat on the sideboard, until I wear it, whereupon it stops within a half hour or so. For example it's kept good time for three days now, left face up or down, with regular winding. Just put it on, stopped after about 35 minutes again. Anyone out there with any experience / thoughts on cause? I'd think about getting it fixed despite low value of the watch, it's one of my favourites (or would be if it worked properly)..!

[RiggaTheMighty]

Lovely watch! I love this case construction.

2 possibilities for me.
1.When the watch is dial up / dial down, the balance wheel (the beating heart) will be comfortably seated in its ruby jewel.
When you are wearing the watch, it is possibly just a little out of its jewel, so it’s too much friction to allow it to swing freely.
2. There is something loose inside. Could be a tiny bit of metal, could be debris, or it could be the brake, which would stop the watch when moving about, but allows free movement while left stationary.

Just my thoughts.

[redrabbit]

Thanks for your thoughts, they are appreciated. Yep, after a bit more research I reckon your first suggestion is most likely. It doesn't like anything except face up or down, but keeps perfect time like that. Will be taking it to a decent repair shop as soon as we are approaching normal service.

Thanks again!

[seefarr]

redrabbit said:

Thanks for your thoughts, they are appreciated. Yep, after a bit more research I reckon your first suggestion is most likely. It doesn't like anything except face up or down, but keeps perfect time like that. Will be taking it to a decent repair shop as soon as we are approaching normal service.

Thanks again!

I can recommend contacting Rigga (above) if you are looking for someone. He's fixed a few of my obscure vintage watches.

[redrabbit]

Thanks Seefarr, I will do just that.

Rigga, Pm incoming.